Nurse Aide
About the Program
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A nursing assistant or nurse aide is part of a multidisciplinary care team that provides important support to patients or residents in a variety of settings. Nurse Aides work in collaboration with nursing staff and care for people by assisting with hygiene, daily activities, and collecting vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse. Nurse aides help patients of all ages, and since they have extensive daily contact with each patient, they play a key role in keeping the nurse up to date on vital information about the patients’ conditions.
Nurse Aides must complete a state-approved education program in which they learn the basic principles of nursing and complete supervised clinical practice. Once the Nurse Aide completes their state-approved program and passes their state exam, they become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) and are permitted to work in their state of certification.
The Nurse Aide program is also useful for people wanting to have employable skills while preparing for nursing or other health-related careers. Employment opportunities require a current State of Colorado Nurse Aide Certification.
Accreditation
This program is approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take the Colorado Nurse Aide Certification Exam.
CREDENTIA Colorado NNAAP Customer Service (888) 274 5050
Course & Program Fees
Please be aware that this program is five-credits and therefore not financial aid eligible. Due to this restriction, once you have been accepted into the nurse aide program, you must either pay in full or make payment arrangements to pay for the course.
The estimates provided here apply only to Colorado residents and are subject to change. You must live in the state of Colorado for at least one continuous year prior to the first day of classes to be eligible for in-state tuition. The actual costs for the program will vary, depending on the
- tuition & fee changes for each year, *(Students taking classes only at Lowry will not be charged for the same fees as those students taking classes on the Auraria Campus.)
- the amount available from the College Opportunity Fund (COF), and
- cost of immunizations, uniforms, shoes, gait belt, and wrist-watch costs.
Nurse Aide Course Costs
| Tuition & Fees | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Resident Tuition | $1,169.50 |
| COF Stipend | $<425.00> |
| * Fees | $358.72 |
| Student Tuition & Fees Cost Sub-Total | $1,103.22 |
Associated Course Costs
| Tuition & Fees | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Castle Branch Background Check Package Code: OM22 | $34.20 |
| Immunizations obtained through Auraria Health Center (TB Skin Test & Flu Shot) | $5.00 |
| Scrubs (Must be ordered through Crazy Scrubs and needs to be caribbean blue color) | $64.00 |
| Gait Belt (required for clinical experience) | $8.00 |
| NNAAP Exam (written) | $50.00 |
| NNAAP Exam (skills) | $85.00 |
| Textbook & Workbook (both are required) | $64.00 |
| Associated Course Cost Sub-Total (approximate) | $310.20 |
| Total Cost of Course (Approximate) | $1,413.42 |
Scholarships are now available for short certificates at CCD. Please visit the scholarship website and see if you are eligible.
Financial Aid Eligibility
**This program is not eligible for federal student aid.**
Scholarships are now available for short certificates at CCD. See if you qualify here. Also view more scholarships and apply.
Job Outlook & Salary Information
The outlook for finding employment as a Certified Nurse Aide is high as the field is experiencing a rapid rate of growth. Current projections indicate a growth rate of 7-10 percent (2018-2028).
Currently Certified Nurse Aides in Colorado also make a higher hourly wage than the national average with a starting salary of $15.40/hr and a median income of $19.40/hr.*
A Certified Nursing Assistant can find employment in:
- Long-term care facilities
- Rehabilitation Facilities
- Home-health care
- Residential care Facilities
- Hospitals
The Nurse Aide program is also a useful tool to introduce individuals to the healthcare profession. Many students complete a nurse aide program as a prerequisite for entry to a nursing program, medical program, or physician’s assistant program as it provides students with laboratory learning and clinical experiences.
*Salary is not guaranteed and should be used as a guideline only.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nursing Assistants and Orderlies (visited August 23, 2020).
Program Outcomes
Total of 2019 Graduates |
Total Students Employed in their Field of Study |
Total Students Who Have Transferred to 4-Year Degree or Other Institution |
|---|---|---|
192 |
27 |
17 |
Stackable
The Nurse Aide program is a certificate program that prepares students for industry certification in their field. The Nurse Aide program may also be used to fulfill elective requirements towards the A.A.S. in Medical Assisting program as a stackable certificate pathway.
Community College of Denver does not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender, race, color, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, religion, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation in its employment practices or educational programs and activities. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. Equal Opportunity is the Law.